EU to provide 18 million euros of aid to Ukraine – meeting between President and EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management

President Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.

The Head of State called it important that the visit of the EU Commissioner coincided with two important dates in the history of Ukraine. “The first one is the anniversary of murder of the Heavenly Hundred by criminals on Maidan. The second one is the beginning of Russian illegal annexation. For me and for the people of Ukraine, these are extremely important and burning events. It is very important that you are here with us as European Commissioner and a friend of Ukraine,” he stressed.

“I highly appreciate that you are trying to see the situation in eastern Ukraine with your own eyes for the fourth visit in a row. You have just returned from Donbas. You are demonstrating support for Ukraine and its citizens who live on the frontline with your presence in the ruined towns and villages of Donbas, the President added.

He expressed gratitude for the assistance in the amount of 18 million euros that will be allocated for the assistance to the most affected people. “This is another evidence of our solid and united position. Thank you for supporting Ukraine,” the Head of State noted.

In his turn, EU Commissioner Christos Stylianides noted that supporting Ukraine is a priority for the EU.

The EU Commissioner expressed support for the people of Ukraine and assured the President that the EU’s assistance will be continued until it is necessary. “We support your actions in difficult conditions and our assistance to Ukraine and all Ukrainians on both sides of the delimitation line will be increased,” Christos Stylianides noted.

According to him, the EU confirms its willingness to further support reforms implemented in our country. “The EU recognizes significant achievements of the Ukrainian authorities and your personal efforts, Mr. President, in the implementation of reforms in Ukraine,” the EU Commissioner said.

The Head of State informed the Commissioner on the deterioration of the security situation in Donbas and implementation of the Minsk agreements. Particularly, he drew attention to the ongoing violation of the ceasefire regime by the Russian party, shelling of inhabited localities, deliberate destruction of infrastructure and ongoing supply of Russian weaponry through the uncontrolled areas of the border.

“This morning, our border guards informed me that a military equipment was found in the 60th so-called humanitarian convoy from Russia. I think this is a clear reflection of the so-called Russian missions,” Petro Poroshenko said. The President also recalled the recent Russian decree on the recognition of the so-called documents issued in the occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

This is a deliberate violation of the Minsk process by Russia and it must be followed by the increase of sanctions against the aggressor, as stated by Petro Poroshenko. “I am confident that we must unite our efforts today,” he said.

The Head of State expressed gratitude to the EU and Christos Stylianides personally for the financial, consultative and humanitarian assistance. “Thank you for your personal support in this difficult time, support in the process of bringing peace to the Ukrainian soil and support for our reforms,” Petro Poroshenko stressed.